Adele Arakawa has been an anchor at 9News since 1993, but her television news career goes back to 1981, when she worked in Knoxville, Tenn. Even earlier, at age 16, she worked as a disc jockey in her hometown of LaFollette, Tenn. In addition to her love of golf, Arakawa has a passion for auto racing. She’s a certified driving instructor for the Rocky Mountain Region Porsche Club.
How long have you been playing?
I took up the game while living in Chicago when I was in my 30s because my husband encouraged me to. I didn’t really get serious until a couple of years after we moved to Colorado in 1993. I started with a few basic lessons, and a very patient husband.
Who do you like to play with?
My husband, other couples, friends, total strangers, alone – you name it!
What’s your favorite hole and/or course?
Colorado has many wonderful courses. It’s hard to choose a favorite. Our home course is Inverness, but we love the mountain courses.
Favorite club?
My driver. An older Titleist: 975 J-VS (men’s club) with a 10.5 loft and regular shaft.
What do you like to wear?
I prefer comfort and function over style and flash. I like comfy clothes with plenty of room to move in – longer-style pleated shorts, cotton shirts, plenty of pocket room for balls, tees and my glove. And since I don’t wear a visor or hat, I wear tons of sunscreen. Favorite labels are Tommy Bahama and Tehama.
Any tips on looking good/not melting in the heat?
Take along a wet towel. It’s good to drape around your neck when it’s hot.
Any lucky charms you carry?
Not really, but I have a peso from a recent trip to Moon Palace in Cancun that I like to use for a ball marker.
Your tips on staying in the game?
Very few people get to play as much golf as they’d like. The hardest part for people (especially women) just starting to play the game is to realize that everyone starts out the same. Don’t be intimidated by others, or embarrassed about your game. And remember you get out of it what you put into it.
Who helps/inspires you?
Sherry Andonian Smith, the LPGA teaching pro at Castle Pines, is great. My husband is also my best partner. He (usually!) knows when to offer advice and when to stay quiet.
What have you learned from the game?
Golf is all about what’s between your ears. You will never be as good or accomplished as you want to be, but the challenge and fun is trying to get there. It’s also a game you can enjoy well into your senior years.
She is wearing a Tommy Bahama silk and cotton blouse,$85, pleated silk shorts, $72, and a leather belt, $78, all from Tommy Bahama/Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Photographed at Inverness Golf Club. Post photo by Kathryn Scott Osler.
Alison Cavanaugh, a senior at Heritage High School, started playing golf competitively only two years ago but is already ranked No. 7 in the state in Class 5A. Cavanaugh, 16, says her dream is go to Notre Dame.
How long have you been playing?
I learned to play when I was 8 or 10, but didn’t get serious about it until two years ago.
Who do you like to play with?
My grandparents, Bill and Carol Cavanaugh, and my dad, Mark Cavanaugh.
Favorite club in your bag?
My Odyssey putter.
What’s your favorite hole and/or course?
Columbine Country Club, my home course.
What do you like to wear?
Colorful, cute and fun clothes. I like vibrant colors.
Any tips on looking good/not melting in the heat?
Gatorade!
Any lucky charms you carry?
A buckeye I got from my grandmother; and I usually get a new glove before every tournament.
Your tips on staying in the game?
I work with Marilyn Norcross, a sports psychologist.
Who helps/inspires you?
My swing coach, Craig Koy.
What have you learned from the game?
Integrity. Honesty. The mental toughness to stay focused for six hours. And that the golf course can be a place to relax and enjoy nature.
She is wearing: An Izod G polo shirt, $29, Be Present capris, $65; Nike socks, $5.50, and FootJoy shoes, $89. All from Daisy Sports at Canterberry Club/Parker. Photographed at Columbine Country Club. Post photo by Andy Cross.
Nancy Haley, co-founded Tehama sportswear company with Clint Eastwood in 1997. Golf World Business earlier this year named her as one of the top five leaders in the golf-fashion industry. An industry veteran, she started Sport-Haley in 1986. Last year, Tehama acquired the licensing and design rights to Izod-G golf wear.
How long have you been playing?
I started playing 30 years ago, with my husband, Tony.
Who do you like to play with?
Tony. We play courses wherever we are, all over the world.
Favorite hole and/or course?
Rolling Hills in Golden is my home course, but I also love Tehama in the Carmel Valley of California (created by business partner, actor-producer-director Eastwood). My favorite hole is probably No. 18 at Cherry Hills, a long par 5 with water on the left and an uphill approach to the green.
Favorite club?
My Big Bertha driver, 9.5 degrees, Pro Series
What do you like to wear?
Tehama, of course, but skorts, because I find them the most slimming. And sweater sets, a shell and cardigan. I think that the better you dress, the better you compete, whether you’re at the office or on the golf course.
Any tips on looking good/not melting in the heat?
We’re using some great moisture-wicking fabrics in our “hang ’em dry” tops and bottoms. And for cold, we’ve got Windskins.
Any lucky charms you carry?
No, I don’t go there.
Your tips on staying in the game?
The great thing about golf is that if you have a bad hole, you can start over again on the next one. Golf for me is a release, a way to relieve the tension that gets me revved up at the office. You wind up and smack the ball.
Who helps and inspires you?
My husband; he’s been my teacher from the beginning. And sometimes Tom Apple at the Country Club of the Rockies in Vail.
What have you learned from the game?
Patience. Concentration. I’ve always been a tomboy and played everything from basketball to baseball, but golf is harder and tests you in a lot of ways.
I’ve also learned that you can use it as a business tool. You can learn a lot about a person by how they play golf. It would probably be a good idea to play a round of golf with a person before you do a business deal.
She is wearing: A cotton blend cable knit shell, $76, cardigan, $84, and kick-pleat skort, $80, all from Tehama. Tehama is sold in golf pro shops. Photographed at Rolling Hills Country Club. Post photo by Helen H. Richardson
